PAGASA: 17 areas to have danger level heat index on June 9

PAGASA predicted that 17 areas of the country will experience a heat index in the danger level on Sunday.

According to PAGASA's 5 p.m. forecast on Saturday, the following areas will have heat indexes ranging from 42°C to 46°C:

46°C:

Virac (Synop), Catanduanes

45°C:

Maasin, Southern Leyte

44°C:

Aparri, Cagayan
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
Masbate City, Masbate

43°C:

NAIA, Pasay City
Dagupan City, Pangasinan
ISU Echague, Isabela
Casiguran, Aurora
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

42°C:

Bacnotan, La Union
CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
Alabat, Quezon
Juban, Sorsogon
Catbalogan, Samar
Davao City, Davao del Sur
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte

Meanwhile, the lowest heat index is expected in Baguio City at 26°C.

PAGASA defines heat index as the measure of the temperature that a person feels, which is different from the actual air temperature. It is computed by factoring in the humidity and the air temperature.

The state weather bureau categorizes areas with a heat index of 42°C to 51°C under the danger category, while those that hit 52°C and above fall under extreme danger.

In areas with a dangerous heat index, people may experience heat cramps and heat exhaustion, according to PAGASA. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

Heat stroke may occur in extreme danger conditions. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News